Fastest ~20min by train
| 🚆 Train | ~20–25min | TER coastal, every 20-30min, free for Interrail |
| 🚌 Bus | ~45–60min | Lignes d'Azur/Zou!, cheaper but traffic-prone |
| 🛥️ Boat | ~45min–1h | Summer operators, scenic but pricier |
| 🚗 Car | ~30–40min | Three corniche roads; Basse Corniche jams in summer |
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Nice and Monaco are barely 20 kilometres apart along the French Riviera, and this is one of the most rewarding short journeys in Europe — not just because of the destination, but because of the options available. The regional train along the coast is cheap, frequent and genuinely scenic; the bus is even cheaper; and if you want to arrive in style, a private boat is an option too. Here is how it all works.
The best way: the coastal train
The TER regional train run by SNCF connects Nice-Ville station with Monaco-Monte-Carlo station in approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Trains run very frequently — roughly every 20 to 30 minutes for much of the day — making this one of the most convenient short hops in France. Fares are modest, as this is a regional train rather than a high-speed service, and no advance booking is required: you simply buy a ticket at the machine and get on.
The route hugs the coast, passing through Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cap-d'Ail before arriving at Monaco. The stretch through Villefranche in particular, as the line runs along the clifftop above the bay, is genuinely lovely. Monaco-Monte-Carlo station is set into the rock — you emerge either into the casino quarter above or descend to the harbour below. It is an entrance unlike any other railway station in Europe.
Note: This is a regional train, not a high-speed service. No reservation is required and no rail pass supplement applies — Interrail and Eurail pass holders can ride free on this route without paying anything extra, which makes it exceptional value.
The cheapest way: the bus
The Lignes d'Azur bus network and the cross-border Zou! Express services run bus routes along the coast between Nice and Monaco. Journey times vary depending on traffic — the Basse Corniche (the coast road) can be very slow in summer — but when traffic is light, buses take around 45 to 60 minutes. Fares are typically very low, even below the train ticket price.
The bus is a practical choice if you want to travel along the coast road and see more of the villages in between, or if the timing works better. However, on a summer weekend when the road is busy, the bus can be painfully slow compared with the train, which is unaffected by road traffic.
The scenic way: by sea
Several private operators run boat services and water taxis between Nice and Monaco, especially in summer. The sea journey takes roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour by scheduled boat. Arriving at Monaco by sea — with the palace and casino on the cliff above you — is genuinely memorable, and on a calm day this is one of the most pleasant short sea journeys on the Mediterranean coast.
Prices are considerably higher than the train or bus, reflecting that this is a leisure service rather than a commuter one. But for a special occasion or if the sea conditions are good, it is worth considering. Check operators in Nice port for current schedules and availability, as timetables vary seasonally.
For more on Mediterranean sea travel, see our overview of By Sea and the overnight ferries guide.
Driving and taxis
The road from Nice to Monaco runs along one of three parallel routes — the Basse Corniche (coast level), the Moyenne Corniche (mid-cliff) and the Grande Corniche (high above) — each offering increasingly dramatic views. The Moyenne Corniche is arguably the most spectacular, passing through the perched village of Eze. In clear traffic the drive takes 30 to 40 minutes, but in summer the Basse Corniche in particular can be gridlocked.
Driving into Monaco itself is possible, and there are underground car parks below the casino and in Fontvieille, though prices reflect the principality's property values. Most visitors find it easier to arrive by train or bus and explore on foot — Monaco is small enough to walk across in an hour, and electric public buses and taxis handle the vertical geography between the port, the casino hill and the palace.
Taxis from Nice to Monaco charge what you would expect for an international journey with a metered start in France. A private transfer can cost considerably more than the train; compare with care.
Exploring from Nice: the wider Riviera
The same regional train line that connects Nice and Monaco continues east into Italy — to Ventimiglia (Vintimille), the first Italian town, and beyond. This makes it easy to hop across the border for lunch in Menton or Ventimiglia's famous Friday market, all on the same regional train network. The route in the other direction from Nice reaches Cannes, Antibes and eventually Marseille.
If you are crossing into Italy and want to understand the border formalities (both France and Italy are in the Schengen Area, so no passport checks at the border), see our guide to the Schengen Area explained. For longer journeys along the coast, see the broader Routes section.
Which should you choose?
For almost every traveller, the regional train is the right choice: it is fast, cheap, frequent, visually lovely and entirely stress-free. The bus is fine for those who want to see the coast road or are travelling off-peak, but plan for slower journey times in summer. The boat is a treat for the right occasion and well worth the extra cost if conditions are good. Driving works if you are on a Riviera road trip following the three corniche roads — but for a simple Nice-to-Monaco hop, put the car keys down and take the train.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the train from Nice to Monaco take?
The coastal TER regional train takes around 20 to 25 minutes from Nice-Ville to Monaco-Monte-Carlo. Trains run roughly every 20–30 minutes throughout the day.
Do I need to book in advance for the Nice to Monaco train?
No. This is a regional train — no advance booking is needed. Buy your ticket at the machine at Nice-Ville station or use a contactless payment option if available. Interrail and Eurail pass holders can ride without any additional reservation or supplement.
Is there a direct bus from Nice to Monaco?
Yes. The Lignes d'Azur and Zou! network serve the coastal route. Fares are low, but journey times depend heavily on traffic — in summer the road can be very slow compared with the train.
Can you arrive in Monaco by boat from Nice?
Yes, in summer several operators run scheduled boat services between Nice port and Monaco, taking around 45 minutes to an hour. This is a scenic and enjoyable option, though fares are considerably higher than the train. Check seasonally for current operators and timetables.
Sources and further reading:
- Train timetables and tickets: SNCF (sncf-connect.com) and the TER Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur network.
- Bus routes: Lignes d'Azur (lignesdazur.com) and Zou! (zou.maregionsud.fr).